France reviews 70,000 child abuse allegations after girl's death

Following public outcry over the murder of an 11-year-old girl, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has ordered prosecutors to review approximately 70,000 ongoing allegations of violence against minors nationwide. The directive was issued after it emerged that the main suspect, Jérôme Barella, had faced multiple prior complaints for sexual violence but had not been investigated or questioned until after the girl's death.

Darmanin acknowledged the situation as a "terrible failure from the state, and of the justice system" and apologized for the handling of the case. He has mandated that prosecutors treat the review of all formal complaints as an absolute priority, with a deadline of July 14. The Justice Minister indicated that disciplinary actions, potentially including dismissals, would be proposed if any shortcomings are identified.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have pointed to the case as a stark example of the justice system's failure to adequately protect children from sexual violence.